Liga MX Clausura - Quarter-finals
Atlas 2 - 3 FT Cruz Azul
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
O. Campos 37'
J. Rodarte 40'
G. Piovi 44'
45' P. Ramirez
C. Rotondi (J. Paradela) 45'+3
HT
C. Ebere (J. Paradela) 55'
↓ O. Campos ↑J. Marquez 60'
63' ↓ D. Gonzalez ↑L. Gamboa
63' ↓ E. Zaldivar ↑A. Gonzalez
69' A. Gonzalez (L. Gamboa)
74' ↓ E. Aguirre ↑A. Rodriguez
81' A. Rocha
81' A. Rocha
C. Ebere 87'
↓ C. Ebere ↑A. Montano 87'
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Atlas
Goalkeepers
Camilo Vargas 
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Gustavo Ferrareis 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Manuel Capasso 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
7
Tackles
93%
Duel Win %
Rodrigo Schlegel 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
2
Fouls
5.9
Rating
Jorge Rodríguez 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
Aldo Rocha 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
Diego González 
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
8%
Pass Acc
Edgar Zaldívar
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Paulo Ramírez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sergio Hernandez
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Forwards
Eduardo Aguirre
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
BENCH
Antonio Sánchez 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Adrián Mora
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Róber Pier
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gaddi Aguirre
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jose Lozano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mateo García
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gustavo del Prete
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Agustín Rodríguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Arturo González 
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
32
Minutes
6.9
Rating
Luis Gamboa
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
32
Minutes
6.3
Rating
Cruz Azul
Goalkeepers
Kevin Mier
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Jorge Rodarte Barragan
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Willer Ditta
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
1
Pens Won
Amaury Garcia
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Gonzalo Piovi
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
2
Fouls
5.9
Rating
Omar Campos
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
67%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
José Paradela 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
7
Rating
Agustín Palavecino
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Carlos Rodríguez 
ENFORCER
3
Tackles
3
Tackles
5
Duels Won
71%
Win %
Carlos Rotondi 
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Forwards
Osinachi Ebere 
CLUTCH HERO
87
Goal Time
87
Goal Time
Penalty
Impact
7.7
Rating
BENCH
Andrés Gudiño
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Josué Díaz
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Andres Montaño
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
8
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ariel Castro Sevilla
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jeremy Márquez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
35
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ivan Silva
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Amaury Morales
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Luka Romero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mateo Levy
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Bryan Gamboa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/03/2026 | Atlas | 2 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 01/14/2026 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 0 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 07/20/2025 | Atlas | 3 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 01/12/2025 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 1 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 11/07/2024 | Atlas | 2 - 2 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 04/22/2024 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 2 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes |
| 07/02/2023 | Atlas | 2 - 0 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 05/06/2023 | Cruz Azul | 0 - 1 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 02/23/2023 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 0 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 07/16/2022 | Atlas | 3 - 2 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
Atlas Win
Cruz Azul Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Cruz Azul Draw First Blood in Five-Goal Thriller
Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 99/100. This blistering Liguilla spectacle delivered immediate quarter-final drama, setting up a tantalising second leg after an 87th-minute decider.
Opening Act
The quarter-final Stakes were palpable at Estadio Jalisco as Atlas controlled possession early on, dictating the tempo with 56% of the ball. However, ball retention rarely translates to safety in the high-pressure environment of the Liga MX playoffs. Cruz Azul willingly weathered the early defensive pressure, relying on swift, calculated transitions to pierce the home defence. The tension finally snapped in first-half stoppage time when J. Paradela brilliantly unlocked the backline to find C. Rotondi, who slotted home a crucial opening goal. Despite Camilo Vargas putting on an absolute masterclass between the sticks with six crucial saves throughout the night, the visitors' clinical edge in the final third—registering nine shots on target—set an unforgiving tone for the rest of this fierce first-leg clash.
The Pivot
The Balance of the tie seemed completely shattered ten minutes after the restart when C. Ebere doubled the visitors' advantage. Yet, Atlas absolutely refused to capitulate on their own soil. A brilliant tactical double substitution in the 63rd minute completely altered the match's complexion. L. Gamboa and A. Gonzalez entered the fray and instantly connected just six minutes later, with Gonzalez halving the deficit to give the hosts a lifeline. The momentum swung wildly, pushing the raucous local crowd into an absolute frenzy. This relentless attacking pressure eventually forced a desperate error from the visiting defence, leading to a crucial penalty. Captain A. Rocha stepped up in the 81st minute, burying his spot-kick to cap off a truly remarkable two-goal comeback.
Resolution
Just as the home faithful celebrated their immense resilience, the sheer Intensity of this knockout brawl delivered one final, heartbreaking twist. A second penalty of the night was awarded, this time to the travelling side, silencing the roaring stands. In the 87th minute, Ebere kept his nerve to convert from the spot, sealing a magnificent personal brace and a dramatic 3-2 victory. The scoreboard now forces Atlas into a difficult position, requiring them to chase the tie away from home, while Cruz Azul returns to the capital holding a precious, albeit narrow, aggregate lead. With the second leg officially scheduled for May 10th, this pulsating first-leg affair guarantees that the return fixture will be an absolute powder keg of emotion.
Key Questions
What caused the 5-goal thriller?
A total clash of styles sparked the chaos, as Atlas controlled possession but Cruz Azul remained ruthlessly efficient, heavily testing the keeper with nine shots on target.
How dramatic was the late winner by Camilo Vargas?
Camilo Vargas actually stood out with six crucial saves for Atlas; the dramatic 87th-minute winning penalty was decisively converted by Cruz Azul's attacker Osinachi Ebere.
How did substitute Camilo Vargas change the game?
Vargas was Atlas's starting goalkeeper. The real game-changing substitutes were L. Gamboa and A. Gonzalez, who combined excellently for Atlas's vital first goal.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Liguilla Lights Up as Atlas Hosts Cruz Azul
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 62/100. The first leg of this Clausura quarter-final will define who carries the psychological edge before the decisive return fixture in Mexico City.
The Setup
The Estadio Jalisco provides the backdrop this May 03, 2026, as Atlas welcome Cruz Azul for a crunch first-leg encounter. With the tie culminating in the return fixture on May 10, the Stakes could not be higher. Cruz Azul arrive as heavy favorites, commanding the Balance of the matchup after securing a third-place finish. However, a modest Form rating hints at vulnerability; the visitors have registered an unusual string of draws lately. Atlas, finishing sixth with a negative goal difference, must capitalize on home advantage. Expect the visiting Stars to try and dictate the tempo to secure an aggregate lead on the road.
Key Battle
This clash hinges entirely on tactical discipline. The Atlas backline will be thoroughly tested by Cruz Azul's dynamic attacking midfield. If the home defense sits too deep, the visitors will eventually pick the lock. Atlas must disrupt the rhythm in the middle of the park to keep the tie alive.
Our Prediction
Cruz Azul will dominate possession, looking to systematically break down a resilient home block. Our take is a narrow 1-0 away victory, with the visitors snatching a crucial goal and setting themselves up perfectly for the second leg.